Seaton Carew Improves Turf Quality Thanks to Hunter

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Seaton Carew Improves Turf Quality Thanks to Hunter: Seaton Carew Golf Club, a historic championship course and the 10th oldest in England, has recently undergone a transformative upgrade with the installation of a state-of-the-art Hunter irrigation system, supplied by KAR UK.

Course Manager Tom Coulson, who took charge of Seaton Carew in 2020, has spent over 20 years in greenkeeping, driven by a passion that started as a junior golfer trying to improve his local course. Recognising Seaton Carew’s potential, Tom knew that with the right plan, the course could be elevated to an even higher standard.

Seaton Carew Improves Turf Quality Thanks to Hunter

Seaton Carew Improves Turf Quality Thanks to Hunter

However, one of the biggest hurdles standing in the way of that vision was an outdated irrigation system.

“It was immediately clear that one thing holding Seaton Carew back was the existing irrigation system, which was not fit for purpose,” Tom explained. “There was a 100% correlation between poor examples of turf and little to no irrigation coverage. For Seaton Carew to progress, it needed a fully functional modern irrigation system, especially now considering how busy golf courses are all the time.”

After a careful evaluation process and with guidance from KAR UK & Hunter, Seaton Carew selected the Hunter GT-885 sprinklers for its fairways, greens, and surrounds. This was installed alongside completely new main pipework and cabling. The club have implemented a phased in-house installation of I-20’s and GT885’s on tee boxes, with a 5-10 year plan to reconfigure, level, and irrigate them.

Additionally, grass pathways were enhanced with Hunter MP rotator sprinklers, allowing the club to gradually move away from the astroturf that previously lined the pathways.

Before any of this could be implemented, a new pump set was installed in 2022. Sized specifically for the new system, this pump set was integrated with the existing setup and laid the foundation for irrigation upgrades.

To ensure a smooth and efficient installation, Seaton Carew partnered with Arden Lea Irrigation, a company with an impressive track record of previous installations.

“Arden Lea was chosen because their previous client list was the ideal reference, but it was their honest communication and ability to phase the work while keeping the course fully functional for members that made them a perfect fit,” Tom noted.

The new Hunter system has already delivered significant improvements.

“The key benefit is having the ability to irrigate and control turf conditions across the course, rather than just in certain parts,” Tom explained. “Water is now applied more accurately, reducing waste and ensuring better turf health. The turf has responded superbly—recovery has been quicker, and the system is now used to prevent damage and aid divot recovery.”

The upgraded pipework has also resulted in a much higher flow capacity, reducing run times and allowing irrigation to take place during optimal conditions, such as the short, low-wind periods at night – a critical factor for a links course.

Additionally, the Hunter GT sprinklers have proven superior in real-world conditions, outperforming other systems by delivering a higher bulk water jet that carries through light winds to hit its target effectively.

KAR UK played a pivotal role in the project’s success, providing expert advice, technical support, and high-quality Hunter products from the outset.

“Our experience working with KAR UK was very positive,” Tom said. “Wesley Henshaw from KAR UK provided support from the very start, demonstrating the quality of the Hunter product even before any official agreement was made. The software training, database creation, and hardware management were all provided seamlessly, which made the entire process very free-flowing.”

“I would definitely recommend KAR UK to other golf clubs looking to improve their courses by upgrading their irrigation facility. The quality of the product, combined with their support throughout the process, makes them an excellent choice.”

With the new Hunter irrigation system fully operational and a phased plan in place for continued improvements, Seaton Carew Golf Club is well-positioned to maintain its status as one of the finest links courses on the east coast.

For more information, please visit www.karuk.com

You can also follow KAR UK on X and Instagram @KARUK_LTD for much more news, reviews and insightful views.

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Green-tech to Row 500 Miles for St Leonard’s Hospice

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Green-tech to Row 500 Miles for St Leonard’s Hospice: After raising an incredible £30,000 for five charities in 2024, the Green-tech team is coming together again to make a splash! This time, they are picking up the oars and hoping to row their way to charity success.

The team has taken on an ambitious challenge of rowing 500 miles in just 5 days, to raise vital funds for St Leonard’s Hospice, their chosen charity for 2025.

Green-tech to Row 500 Miles for St Leonard’s Hospice

Green-tech to Row 500 Miles for St Leonard’s Hospice

This means, starting Monday 9th June:

  • 5 full days days
  • 8 hours of rowing each day (from 8am–4pm)
  • A gruelling 100 miles to cover daily

This challenge will be a test of teamwork and personal endurance to support a charity that provides outstanding care for people with life-limiting illnesses and their families across Yorkshire.

Green-tech is well known for backing industry events and initiatives and for supporting the local communities it serves. Each year, a member of the team nominates a charity close to their heart. That charity becomes the focus of the fundraising efforts for the year, with staff coming together to support it through a mix of team challenges, fun events, and donation drives.

Last year, their impressive ‘£30k for 30 Years’ campaign brought together the whole Green-tech community from colleagues and customers to suppliers and family, to support five fantastic charities. That same spirit of generosity and energy is powering this year’s rowing challenge.

Marketing Director Kate Humes explains, “We are proud to be a business that gives back to our industry and local communities. Green-tech’s commitment to giving back goes beyond fundraising. The business actively supports the industries we serve through on-site training, backing industry initiatives, and engaging in community support. We firmly believe in getting involved and making a difference.”

St Leonard’s Hospice provides exceptional care for people with life-limiting illnesses and support for their families. Green-tech is proud to support the hospice and help ensure it can continue its vital work. Help them raise some much-needed funds. Donate using this link – https://www.justgiving.com/page/green-tech-stleonardshospiceyork

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Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

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Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager: The Sports Turf apprenticeship trailblazer group are pleased to announce that a new Level 5 apprenticeship, with integrated Foundation Degree (FdSc), has been published subject to funding band approval.

The new Level 5 apprenticeship will be titled Sports Turf Technical Manager with delivery proposed for late 2025 or early 2026. The integration of the Foundation Degree in Sports Turf provides a high-quality vehicle for learning and allows the apprentice to achieve an industry leading degree level qualification as part of their apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

Apprenticeship Update – Sports Turf Technical Manager

As the professional body for grounds management, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) has recently issued a formal letter of recognition to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) confirming that the qualifications are a suggested requirement for professional recognition at a range of levels of membership across our broad industry.

The sports turf trailblazer view this as a potentially game changing educational development for the Sports Turf Industry, offering a funded educational pathway from initial entry into the industry, to degree level.

The apprenticeship also aligns directly with the Grounds Management Framework, which brings together a range of training and education opportunities provided by both the GMA and other providers, including apprenticeship providers, to ensure a clear and coherent career pathway for those working, or wishing to work, in sports turf maintenance and management.

Employers are encouraged to check the funding rules for more information and eligibility, but apprenticeship levy payers will receive funds up to the funding band maximum, whilst non-levy payers contribute just 5% towards the cost of training. The funding of the government backed sports turf apprenticeships removes the primary barriers faced by apprentices and employers which in turn should increase uptake of apprenticeships and drive professionalisation at all levels within the industry.

Level 2 Sports Turf Operative https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0210-v1-2 . Level 3 Advanced Sports Turf Technician https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st1323-v1-1 Level 5 Sports Turf Technical Manager https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st1410

The sports turf apprenticeship trailblazer group is a voluntary group consisting of leading industry professionals, education providers and industry bodies. Trailblazer chairperson Daniel Ratling and Facilitator Dr Jonathan Knowles would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the development of apprenticeships over the last eight years.

Expressions of interest for the new L5 Sports Turf Technical Manager are welcome here https://forms.office.com/e/edTeaZfv3E

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Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

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Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima: At a venue that’s hosted the Ryder Cup, 19 European Tour events, and countless visitors from around the world, expectations for course quality are sky high. For Jim McKenzie, Director of Golf Courses and Estates Management at the Celtic Manor Collection, finding products that can consistently deliver performance without disruption is essential.

With three championship golf courses under his remit—including the world-renowned Twenty-Ten Course—Jim leads an expert team managing one of the UK’s most demanding golfing venues. And when it comes to turf management, he says two of Agrovista Amenity’s products—Attraxor and Maxtima—have become standout performers.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“We’ve dabbled over the years with various cultural and chemical approaches, particularly to deal with Poa seedhead suppression,” explains Jim. “Ray Hunt from Agrovista Amenity suggested we take a look at Attraxor plant growth regulator, and we liked what we saw in the marketplace. We trialled it on Roman Road in 2023, and the results spoke for themselves.

We were impressed enough that we decided to use it across the whole site, all three courses.”

The trial proved effective. Jim noted not only a reduction in clip rate, but also smaller and less disruptive seed heads, leading to smoother ball roll and improved green presentation—even at slightly higher heights of cut.

“The Poa was still there and seeding, but it was far less invasive. That helped maintain surface quality without the need for disruptive maintenance—crucial for a venue like ours where there are no closure days.”

For Jim and the team, Poa is not just accepted—it’s the grass of choice, and managing its behaviour is key to course quality.

“We used to lie awake at night worrying about keeping Poa out. Now, it’s about how we manage it—and products like Attraxor make that job a lot more effective.”

Alongside Attraxor, Maxtima has also been introduced into the programme, further strengthening the site’s ability to tackle turf health issues with confidence. Maxtima is a next-generation DMI fungicide powered by Mefentrifluconazole, and Jim is a fan.

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

Jim McKenzie Backs Attraxor and Maxtima

“Maxtima’s been a valuable addition too. It’s part of that progression in product development where we can use targeted solutions that fit our unique environment.”

Its flexible application window, rainfastness, and strong resistance profile have made Maxtima a valuable addition to Jim’s toolkit—especially in a high-pressure, high-visibility environment like Celtic Manor.

“We’ve had no fresh outbreak of disease since November last year and Maxtima is the only fungicide which was used during that period,” Jim adds.

But it’s not just the products that have impressed.

“We’ve known Ray Hunt and Peter Holstrom from Agrovista Amenity for a long time—both are great to work with. They bring completely different things to the table, and that synergy works really well for us. The support we get is second to none.”

Jim McKenzie certainly knows what it takes to maintain excellence—and he’s clear that Agrovista Amenity’s product innovation and personalised support are helping Celtic Manor stay ahead of the game.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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Paris Saint-Germain tops Ligue 1 pitch charts

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Paris Saint-Germain tops Ligue 1 pitch charts: The Parc des Princes playing surface has again been voted the French top-flight’s best during the 2024/25 season.

With an average mark of 19 out of 20, the capital club was ahead of Reims (18.12) and Marseille (18.01). Congratulations to Grounds Manager Jonathan Calderwood and his team, who have won the award for the seventh time in nine seasons.

Paris Saint-Germain tops Ligue 1 pitch charts

Paris Saint-Germain tops Ligue 1 pitch charts

Read the full story here

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